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One Ride Review: Norco Revolver full suspension XC race mountain bike

2017 Norco Revolver XC full suspension mountain bike ride review
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Sure, enduro is all the rage, but riding a bike that’s crafted for a specific purpose on trails that suit it perfectly transforms an otherwise good ride into an otherworldly one. And that’s what happened here. Norco’s Revolver tames an FSR suspension to perform under hard pedaling both up and down the mountain, and the rest of the frame lets you maintain that speed while whipping through the tight and twisties. Check the One Ride Review video above, and head past the break for more pics…

2017 Norco Revolver XC full suspension mountain bike ride review

I’ve long been impressed with Norco’s full suspension bikes. They’re supple and able to soak up the terrain well, which is a good thing since their home turf is the ultra technical North Shore of western Canada. With the Revolver, the suspension is built on the same Horst Link design, but tuned much more for speed and efficiency than comfort. Over root gardens like this, the bike skittered over the top rather than trying to absorb every little depression. It gave only enough to maintain traction while hammering through it, which is exactly what I wanted from a bike like this. Being able to speed over them without getting bounced around meant I could maintain my posture and cadence, which ultimately means faster overall lap times.

2017 Norco Revolver XC full suspension mountain bike ride review

2017 Norco Revolver XC full suspension mountain bike ride review

Even in size XL, the Revolver 29er has an incredibly low head tube and stack height. Throw in a reverse rise stem and you can get into a really low, aggressive race position.

2017 Norco Revolver XC full suspension mountain bike ride review

2017 Norco Revolver XC full suspension mountain bike ride review

2017 Norco Revolver XC full suspension mountain bike ride review

Ports and guides are there for front derailleurs and dropper posts if you want them.

2017 Norco Revolver XC full suspension mountain bike ride review

The 2017 Norco Revolver carries the same frame as 2016 models, but gets SRAM Eagle specs in X01 and XX1 trim. Hit those links for more tech details.

Norco.com

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charlotte?
charlotte?
7 years ago

which white water center?

atlbikeshop
7 years ago

What is the point of this video? it is low quality and does not even show any riding. And what exactly is ‘magical’ tuning? There is nothing special about this suspension design.

Nick
Nick
7 years ago
Reply to  atlbikeshop

If you’re looking for a bit more detail check out this review https://ridingtherivet.wordpress.com/2016/10/13/first-impressions-2017-norco-revolver-9-1-fs/

Adam
Adam
7 years ago
Reply to  atlbikeshop

Wow, such negativity.

Dolan Halbrook
Dolan Halbrook
7 years ago

Huh, I built up this year’s frame only option and it has a lockout lever on the RS Monarch it shipped with. I find it pretty squishy out of the saddle, but super supple otherwise. I’ve never ridden a bike that climbs as well as this one.

Papi
Papi
7 years ago

I, for one, LOVED the video. Not since the cinematic smash hit ‘Honey I shrunk the kids’ have I seen such great camera work.

Veganpotter
Veganpotter
7 years ago

Self tuning is over half of that feel. Not every bike feels the same with the same sag and rebound setting. Let a bit of air out in this bike, add a bit more to your other bike and speed the rebound and the change will be smaller minus geometry.

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